Try one of these. Works like a charm and only $11. I know, some would rather their shit just work properly and with Toyota's reliability you would never expect the struts to go as quickly as some have been going. My hood struts are blown but my tail gate is probably 75% good. I bought this little gem and it works perfectly well plus its only $11 compared to $57 for each hood strut and I think over $110 for the OEM tail struts.
CTA Tools 5360 Lift Support Clamp
www.amazon.com
CTA Tools 5360 Lift Support Clamp
www.amazon.com